THE UNCOMMON MAN
I do not choose to be a common man. It is my right to be uncommon if I can.
I seek opportunity - not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled, dulled, by having the State look after me.
I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build; to fail or succeed.
I refuse to barter incentive to a dole.
I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the calm state of Utopia.
I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout.
I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat.
It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself; to enjoy the benefits of my creation, and to face the world boldly and say - This I have done with my own hand,
I am a man. I am an American.
Update From the workbook: The Honorable Dean Alfange was an American statesman born December 2, 1899, in Constantinople (now Istanbul). He was raised in upstate New York. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I and attended Hamilton College, graduating in the class of 1922.
This I will have to copy and save, if you don't mind.